“I don’t understand,” said Evan.
“Well, do you object to his presence? There’s a chance that his preferences are not yours when it comes to the pursuit of pleasure, shall we say.”
Royce shrugged. “Honestly? I don’t think he knows what his preferences are. He’s never had chance to find out.”
Evan agreed. “We talked yesterday while we were making sure he was all right.”
“What did he say?”
All three of them related their conversation with Gabriel, adding in their opinions as they did so. Giles couldn’t help but be impressed. Royce had slipped right into the role destined for him, and it was likely his military career had helped. One had to get on with others when in the ranks. And rising within them made that an absolute necessity. He was ready to be a Wolfbridge gentleman now. He hadn’t been all those years before when he and Giles had first met.
“So, if I read you all aright, nobody would be averse to inviting Gabriel to join us, and make our numbers complete?”
There was silence for a few moments, then Evan spoke.
“I think he would be an excellent addition, Giles. But…” he gently tapped his fingers on the table, taking a moment to choose his words. “What of the needs of our new Lady?” Colouring slightly, he continued. “The physical needs? What if he cannot fulfil them?”
Giles nodded. “That is a good question, but not one that we can answer at this time, and certainly not one that he can answer, from the sound of it.”
“Just a thought here,” added Royce. “From what he said last night, and from what I heard many times over my years in the army…he might well be a man who deals well with both menandwomen.”
All eyes turned to him, Giles’s included.
“I’ve heard of such things,” admitted Jeremy. “But…well, one doesn’t really dwell on them, does one?”
“No,” agreed Evan. “I would say the same.”
“You should’ve joined up,” grinned Royce. “Enlarged your experiences.” He chuckled at the look the two of them exchanged. “And before you even think about it, don’t ask me how it works. We all know that there are matters likely to get you prosecuted, destroyed and hanged, if you’re not extremely careful. Buggery is one of the biggest offences in that regard. But we also know that such things are a lot more common than others would like to believe.”
“Royce is right. And here at Wolfbridge we are for justice and for the well-being of our fellows. Not to mention our Lady.” Giles looked at the faces around him. “Let’s remember that.” He rose. “I will talk to Gabriel today. I will give him the basics of the Wolfbridge situation and see how he responds.”
“And I am for the Lady’s room,” Royce also rose. “I doubt there will have been a change, but I want to make sure she is progressing as well as possible this morning.” He glanced at Giles. “That’ll free up Gabriel for you, if you’re ready…”
“I’ll find him.” Giles headed for the door. “We have a lot to do. Best get to it.”
ChapterNine
“You want to see me?” Gabriel’s head peered tentatively around the door of Giles’s study.
“I do, yes. Come in…”
He’d lit a fire, but the room had yet to fully warm; it was one of those grey and dark days when the clouds couldn’t decide whether to rain or snow, or just hang low over everything. Gabriel walked in and glanced out the window with a frown.
“Another vile winter day, it would seem,” he commented.
“We have them, no escaping it,” answered Giles mildly. “Sit down, if you would. And tell me of your health?”
“Other than the black eye, a lot of bruises and a disinclination to laugh loudly or be hugged, I am well.” He looked down at his hands for a moment. “And for that I have you to thank, sir. I believe I owe you and Royce my life, not to put too fine a point on it.”
“Anyone would have done the same…”
Gabriel shook his head. “No. Forgive me, but there I must disagree with you. Assisting an injured man is the humane course of action. But given the words that were thrown after me—names I am sure you heard—for you to still come to my rescue is an act above and beyond the ordinary.” He looked at Giles squarely. “I am so much more than grateful.”
Giles met his gaze, seeing something stirring in the green depths. Pain, perhaps. Resignation…defeat…he wasn’t sure. But he was sure that underneath this apparently calm and controlled exterior, more emotions were currently in play.
“This is Wolfbridge Manor, Gabriel. A unique estate with many interesting facets. The most important of which is our mandate. We do not look down on anyone.Ever. We are pledged to work for everyone’s best interests; we protect our land and our Lady; and we will give unceasingly of ourselves to make sure she has the chance to become the woman she is meant to be.”
Gabriel’s face creased in a slight frown. “I don’t…I’m not certain I understand.”
